I have been thinking on buying another bike and looking real strong to the rubicon. Can you give me some pros and cons on the performance realiability of the bike? All answers will be highly appreciated. thanx

 

Hi,

The Rubicon was the first ATV that I have owned and I think it has been a great choice. I bought my Rubicon bout 2 months ago and thus far have 240 miles/43 hours on it. I have not had any problems so far other then not cleaning the radiator correctly (NOTE: overheated) I fixed the prob by reading the manual and cleaning the radiator correctly, it hasn’t happen again. I don’t have any negatives towards the Rubicon as of yet but there is always room for improvement. CONS: One thing I would change is giving it a bigger gas tank it only has 4.7 gallon tank TOTAL. (NOTE: 3.7,1.0 reserve) And the racks capacity cant handle much weight from what the manual says. I think the weight limitations are for safety reasons, cause I have well over exceeded them without any probs (NOTE: Front 66 pounds Back 133 pounds). I have read in post and the mechanic who did my 1st maintenance said that changing the oil filter is a paine because its located underneath the skid plates. I have read that drum brakes (NOTE: Rubicon uses these types of brakes) don’t brake as well and if they get muddy or wet u have too change them??(NOTE: brakes are fine for me no probs yet) PROS:: Reliability::This machine has been reliable, ONE OF THE MAYJOR REASON WHY I WENT HONDA. All time 4WD to me this is a plus since I am a newbie and felt that 2wd/4wd could get me in trouble as it has gotten my friends in some shady spots. If u feel that full time four wheel drive wont do then buy lockers. Ride:: for me its ok, the ride is better then my friends Atvs. I am still getting used too the ride. (NOTE:I would love too ride on a SP 500 HO I heard the ride rocks) Speed:: the Rubicon has great pickup and good topend (NOTE: top speed thus far 58MPH on a dirt road not using full throttle on a slight incline) but I didn’t buy this machine for drag racing. It has never not had enough power for me and I am 6' 7" and bout 300 pounds. I live and ride in an valley half my driving is done up and down hills. Mudding:: I think its a great stock mudding machine but I NEED BIGGER TIRES. Pulling:: it has surprised me in its pulling power, pulled a friend out of a deep mud hole it impressed me because I was in the mud hole and dint loose any traction. Braking:: as I said it uses drum brakes but it stops me fine and the engine breaking is very good.(NOTE: On a steep incline in low gear the Rubicon only hits 3MPH have too give it gas, love the engine breaking on this machine) Handling:: I think it handles great for being 4WD handles corners faster and safer then my friends. This was just how the Rubicon has performed for me and options may vary. If I think of any thing else or if u have any other questions pls ask.

-RubicoN
StocK, but not for long

 

GabooN, the tank is only 3.7 gallons. That INCLUDES the 1.0 gallon reserve.

roc-ron, I have really enjoyed the Rubicon. It has had all the power I have needed. The SP500 and the Rubicon are very comparable in power. The SP500 HO may have more power I dont know since I have never seen one. If I had to do it again, I would buy another Rubicon. I am very happy with my purchase.

 

I bought my Rubicon on June 16th and have ridden 730 miles without a problem.I've been riding Honda ATC's and ATV's since 1983 and have had no major problems with any of my past 6 machines. My 88 300 Fourtrax had over 10,000 miles on it when I sold it to my boss and he's still riding it. In June I taded my 98 450 Forman which had 4242 miles. These Honda machines are great and I have much confidence in my new Rubicon. Try one, You won't be sorry!

 

Same here. I've owned 3-wheelers and dirt-bikes, but this is my first 4-wheeled ATV. Haven't regreted buying it, and doesn't look like I will. It's everything a Honda is (reliable, and built to last). It amy not be the best at everything it can fo, but it does ALL of them better than most, if not all. It's a great all-around machine. If you want a utility that you can ride fast (but not crazy), it's for you. If you want a sporty-bike that can also seriously haul (and tow), it's for you. If you want one that does one thing better than the rest, than pick the biek that does that one thing the best. In other words, if all you're going to do is ride motocross tracks, then the Rubicon may not be your fist pick, etc.
Like I said before, I love it, and am glad I bought it.

 

Thanks for all the information that all of you gave me. As of today I am a 40yr. old Rubicon owner. Thanks again.

 

Congratulations roc-ron. You won't be sorry. Everyone has said about all there is to say. To sum it up as my sonwould say---It's Awsome!!!